About Digestive Diseases Discussion

This site contains information from government publications about digestive diseases that have been reformatted and reorganized. There are numerous links to the original documents.

The goal is to make the information easier to find and to allow the sharing of information between users.

This is a very big undertaking and you can help me help others. Please add your comments or questions to any topic that concerns you. If you know of additional resources please include links to them.

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• Information about specific digestive diseases products
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Digestive Diseases Discussion Topics

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome Discussion
Wilson's Disease Discussion
Whipple's Disease Discussion
Peptic Ulcers Information
Hepatitis C Discussion
Hepatitis B Discussion
Hepatitis A Discussion
Gas Discussion
Constipation Discussion
Virtual Colonoscopy Discussion
Viral Hepatitis: A Through E and Beyond Discussion
Viral Gastroenteritis Discussion
Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B Discussion
Upper GI Series Discussion
Ulcerative Colitis Discussion
Liver Transplantation Discussion
Smoking and Your Digestive System Discussion
Short Bowel Syndrome Discussion
Rapid Gastric Emptying Discussion
Proctitis Discussion
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Discussion
Porphyria Discussion
Facts and Fallacies About Digestive Diseases
NSAIDs and Peptic Ulcers Discussion
Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Discussion
Milk Digestive Problems Discussion
Ménétrier's Disease Discussion
Lower GI Series Discussion
Liver Biopsy Discussion
Lactose Intolerance Discussion
Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Children
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Discussion
Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction Discussion
Inguinal Hernia Discussion
Indigestion Discussion
Hirschsprung's Disease Discussion
Hemorrhoids Discussion
Hemochromatosis
Gastroesophageal Reflux in Infants
Gastroesophageal Reflux in Children and Adolescents
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Discussion
Gastritis Discussion
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Discussion
Gas in the Digestive Tract Discussion
Fecal Incontinence Discussion
ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)
Upper Endoscopy Discussion
H. pylori and Peptic Ulcer Discussion
Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis Discussion
Digestive System Function Discussion
Gastroparesis and Diabetes Discussion
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Discussion
Crohn's Disease Discussion
Constipation in Children Discussion
Colostomy Discussion
Colonoscopy Discussion
Colon Polyps Discussion
Collagenous Colitis and Lymphocytic Colitis
Cirrhosis of the Liver Discussion
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Discussion
Chronic Hepatitis C
Celiac Disease
Bleeding in the Digestive Tract
Barrett's Esophagus
Bacteria and Foodborne Illness Discussion
Autoimmune Hepatitis
Appendicitis Discussion
Intestinal Adhesions

Biggest Health Worry After Katrina Is Clean Water

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A lack of clean water is the most immediate health threat posed by the murky green water flooding Louisiana and Mississippi, health experts warned on Wednesday as authorities declared a public health emergency after Hurricane Katrina's devastation.

Threats include:

Viruses such a hepatitis A

Bacteria such as Vibrio cholera, which causes cholera, enterococci and dangerous strains of E. coli.

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome Discussion

Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) is a rare disorder that causes tumors in the pancreas and duodenum and ulcers in the stomach and duodenum. The pancreas is a gland located behind the stomach. It produces enzymes that break down fat, protein, and carbohydrates from food, and hormones like insulin that break down sugar. The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine.

Click here for more Zollinger-Ellison syndrome information.

Wilson's Disease Discussion

Wilson's disease causes the body to retain copper. The liver of a person who has Wilson's disease does not release copper into bile as it should. Bile is a liquid produced by the liver that helps with digestion. As the intestines absorb copper from food, the copper builds up in the liver and injures liver tissue. Eventually, the damage causes the liver to release the copper directly into the bloodstream, which carries the copper throughout the body. The copper buildup leads to damage in the kidneys, brain, and eyes. If not treated, Wilson's disease can cause severe brain damage, liver failure, and death.

Click here for more Wilson's disease information.

Whipple's Disease Discussion

Whipple's disease is a rare infectious disease that typically infects the bowel. It causes malabsorption primarily but may affect any part of the body including the heart, lungs, brain, joints, and eyes. It interferes with the body's ability to absorb certain nutrients. Whipple's disease causes weight loss, incomplete breakdown of carbohydrates or fats, and malfunctions of the immune system. When recognized and treated, Whipple's disease can usually be cured. Untreated, the disease may be fatal.

Click here for more Whipple's disease information.

Peptic Ulcers Information

A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach or duodenum. The duodenum is the first part of your small intestine. If peptic ulcers are found in the stomach, they're called gastric ulcers. If they're found in the duodenum, they're called duodenal ulcers. You can have more than one ulcer.

Click here for more peptic ulcers information.

Hepatitis C Discussion

Hepatitis (HEP-ah-TY-tis) makes your liver swell and stops it from working right.

You need a healthy liver. The liver does many things to keep you alive. The liver fights infections and stops bleeding. It removes drugs and other poisons from your blood. The liver also stores energy for when you need it.

The virus that causes hepatitis C is called the hepatitis C virus.

Click here for more hepatitis C information.

Hepatitis B Discussion

Hepatitis (HEP-ah-TY-tis) makes your liver swell and stops it from working right.

You need a healthy liver. The liver does many things to keep you alive. The liver fights infections and stops bleeding. It removes drugs and other poisons from your blood. The liver also stores energy for when you need it.

The virus that causes hepatitis B is called the hepatitis B virus.

Click here for more hepatitis B information.

Hepatitis A Discussion

Hepatitis A is a liver disease.

Hepatitis (HEP-ah-TY-tis) makes your liver swell and stops it from working right.

You need a healthy liver. The liver does many things to keep you alive. The liver fights infections and stops bleeding. It removes drugs and other poisons from your blood. The liver also stores energy for when you need it.

Click here for more hepatitis A information.

Gas Discussion

Everyone has gas. Burping or passing gas through the rectum is normal. Because it is embarrassing to burp or pass gas, many people believe they pass gas too often or have too much gas. It is rare for a person to have too much gas.

Click here for more information about gas.

Constipation Discussion

Constipation means that a person has three bowel movements or fewer in a week. The stool is hard and dry. Sometimes it is painful to pass. You may feel "draggy" and full.

Some people think they should have a bowel movement every day. That is not really true. There is no "right" number of bowel movements. Each person's body finds its own normal number of bowel movements. It depends on the food you eat, how much you exercise, and other things.

At one time or another, almost everyone gets constipated. In most cases, it lasts for a short time and is not serious. When you understand what causes constipation, you can take steps to prevent it.

Click here for more constipation information.

Virtual Colonoscopy Discussion

Virtual colonoscopy (VC) uses x rays and computers to produce two- and three-dimensional images of the colon (large intestine) from the lowest part, the rectum, all the way to the lower end of the small intestine and display them on a screen. The procedure is used to diagnose colon and bowel disease, including polyps, diverticulosis, and cancer. VC can be performed with computed tomography (CT), sometimes called a CAT scan, or with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Click here for more virtual colonoscopy information.

Viral Hepatitis: A Through E and Beyond Discussion

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. Several different viruses cause viral hepatitis. They are named the hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses.

All of these viruses cause acute, or short-term, viral hepatitis. The hepatitis B, C, and D viruses can also cause chronic hepatitis, in which the infection is prolonged, sometimes lifelong.

Other viruses may also cause hepatitis, but they have yet to be discovered and they are obviously rare causes of the disease.

Click here for more viral hepatitis information.

Viral Gastroenteritis Discussion

Viral gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection caused by several viruses. Viral gastroenteritis is highly contagious and causes millions of cases of diarrhea each year.

Anyone can get viral gastroenteritis and most people recover without any complications. However, viral gastroenteritis can be serious for people who cannot drink enough fluids to replace what is lost through vomiting and diarrhea, especially infants, young children, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems. Complications from vomiting also can occur, even in healthy people.

Click here for more viral gastroenteritis information.

Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B Discussion

Candidates for Hepatitis A Vaccination

Routine Vaccination

• Children living in areas with high incidence rates of hepatitis A (above the national average). Check with your health department to see if this applies to your area.

High-Risk Populations

• Travelers to developing countries with high rates of hepatitis A, including Mexico
• Men who have sex with men
• Users of illegal drugs
• People who work with hepatitis A virus in research settings
• People who work with infected nonhuman primates
• Recipients of clotting factor concentrates
• People with chronic liver disease (because of risk of fulminant hepatitis A)

Click here for more information about vaccinations for hepatitis A and B.

Upper GI Series Discussion

The upper gastrointestinal (GI) series uses x rays to diagnose problems in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine). It may also be used to examine the small intestine. The upper GI series can show a blockage, abnormal growth, ulcer, or a problem with the way an organ is working.

Click here for more upper GI series information.

Ulcerative Colitis Discussion

Ulcerative colitis is a disease that causes inflammation and sores, called ulcers, in the lining of the large intestine. The inflammation usually occurs in the rectum and lower part of the colon, but it may affect the entire colon. Ulcerative colitis rarely affects the small intestine except for the end section, called the terminal ileum. Ulcerative colitis may also be called colitis or proctitis.

Click here for more ulcerative colitis information.

Liver Transplantation Discussion

Your liver helps fight infections and cleans your blood. It also helps digest food and stores energy for when you need it.

Click here for more information about liver transplants.

Smoking and Your Digestive System Discussion

Cigarette smoking causes a variety of life-threatening diseases, including lung cancer, emphysema, and heart disease. An estimated 430,000 deaths each year are directly caused by cigarette smoking. Smoking is responsible for changes in all parts of the body, including the digestive system. This fact can have serious consequences because it is the digestive system that converts foods into the nutrients the body needs to live.

Click here for more smoking and digestive diseases information.

Short Bowel Syndrome Discussion

Short bowel syndrome is a group of problems affecting people who have had half or more of their small intestine removed. The most common reason for removing part of the small intestine is to treat Crohn's disease.

Click here for more short bowel syndrome information.

Rapid Gastric Emptying Discussion

Rapid gastric emptying, or dumping syndrome, happens when the lower end of the small intestine (jejunum) fills too quickly with undigested food from the stomach. "Early" dumping begins during or right after a meal. Symptoms of early dumping include nausea, vomiting, bloating, cramping, diarrhea, dizziness, and fatigue. "Late" dumping happens 1 to 3 hours after eating. Symptoms of late dumping include hypoglycemia, weakness, sweating, and dizziness. Many people have both types.

Click here for more rapid gastric emptying information.

Proctitis Discussion

Proctitis is inflammation of the lining of the rectum, called the rectal mucosa. Proctitis can be short term (acute) or long term (chronic). Proctitis has many causes. It may be a side effect of medical treatments like radiation therapy or antibiotics. Diseases like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and sexually transmitted diseases may also cause proctitis. Other causes include rectal injury, bacterial infection, allergies, and malfunction of the nerves in the rectum.

Click here for more proctitis information.

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Discussion

In primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), the bile ducts inside and outside the liver become inflamed and scarred. As the scarring increases, the ducts become blocked. The ducts are important because they carry bile out of the liver. Bile is a liquid that helps break down fat in food. If the ducts are blocked, bile builds up in the liver and damages liver cells. Eventually, PSC can cause liver failure.

Click here for more primary sclerosing cholangitis information.

Porphyria Discussion

Porphyria is a group of different disorders caused by abnormalities in the chemical steps leading to the production of heme, a substance that is important in the body. The largest amounts of heme are in the blood and bone marrow, where it carries oxygen. Heme is also found in the liver and other tissues.

Multiple enzymes are needed for the body to produce heme. If any one of the enzymes is abnormal, the process cannot continue and the intermediate products, porphyrin or its precursors, may build up and be excreted in the urine and stool.

Click here for more porphyria information.

Facts and Fallacies About Digestive Diseases

Researchers have only recently begun to understand the many, often complex diseases that affect the digestive system. Accordingly, people are gradually replacing folklore, old wives' tales, and rumors about the causes and treatments of digestive diseases with accurate, up-to-date information. But misunderstandings still exist, and while some folklore is harmless, some can be dangerous if it keeps a person from correctly preventing or treating an illness. Listed below are some common misconceptions (fallacies), about digestive diseases, followed by the facts as professionals understand them today.

Click here for more facts and fallacies about digestive diseases.

NSAIDs and Peptic Ulcers Discussion

A peptic ulcer is a sore that forms in the lining of the stomach or the duodenum (the beginning of the small intestine). An ulcer can cause a gnawing, burning pain in the upper abdomen; nausea; vomiting; loss of appetite; weight loss; and fatigue. Most peptic ulcers are caused by infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). But some peptic ulcers are caused by prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium.

Click here for more NSAIDs and peptic ulcers information.

Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Discussion

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH is a common, often "silent" liver disease. It resembles alcoholic liver disease, but occurs in people who drink little or no alcohol. The major feature in NASH is fat in the liver, along with inflammation and damage. Most people with NASH feel well and are not aware that they have a liver problem. Nevertheless, NASH can be severe and can lead to cirrhosis, in which the liver is permanently damaged and scarred and no longer able to work properly.

Click here for more nonalcoholic steatohepatitis information.

Milk Digestive Problems Discussion

Lactose intolerance means that you cannot digest foods with lactose in them. Lactose is the sugar found in milk and foods made with milk.

Click here for more milk digestive problems information.

Ménétrier's Disease Discussion

Ménétrier's disease causes giant folds of tissue to grow in the wall of the stomach. The tissue may be inflamed and may contain ulcers. The disease also causes glands in the stomach to waste away and causes the body to lose fluid containing a protein called albumin. Ménétrier's disease increases a person's risk of stomach cancer. People who have this rare, chronic disease are usually men between ages 30 and 60. The cause of the disease is unknown.

Ménétrier's disease is also called giant hypertrophic gastritis, protein losing gasteropathy, or hypertrophic gastropathy.

Click here for more Ménétrier's disease information.

Lower GI Series Discussion

A lower gastrointestinal (GI) series uses x rays to diagnose problems in the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum. The lower GI series may show problems like abnormal growths, ulcers, polyps, diverticuli, and colon cancer.

Before taking x rays of your colon and rectum, the radiologist will put a thick liquid called barium into your colon. This is why a lower GI series is sometimes called a barium enema. The barium coats the lining of the colon and rectum and makes these organs, and any signs of disease in them, show up more clearly on x rays. It also helps the radiologist see the size and shape of the colon and rectum.

Click here for more lower GI series information.

Liver Biopsy Discussion

In a liver biopsy (BYE-op-see), the physician examines a small piece of tissue from your liver for signs of damage or disease. A special needle is used to remove the tissue from the liver. The physician decides to do a liver biopsy after tests suggest that the liver does not work properly. For example, a blood test might show that your blood contains higher than normal levels of liver enzymes or too much iron or copper. An x ray could suggest that the liver is swollen. Looking at liver tissue itself is the best way to determine whether the liver is healthy or what is causing it to be damaged.

Click here for more liver biopsy information.

Lactose Intolerance Discussion

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest significant amounts of lactose, the predominant sugar of milk. This inability results from a shortage of the enzyme lactase, which is normally produced by the cells that line the small intestine. Lactase breaks down milk sugar into simpler forms that can then be absorbed into the bloodstream. When there is not enough lactase to digest the amount of lactose consumed, the results, although not usually dangerous, may be very distressing. While not all persons deficient in lactase have symptoms, those who do are considered to be lactose intolerant.

Click here for lactose intolerance information.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Children

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive disorder that causes abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation--or some combination of these problems. IBS affects people of all ages, including children.

IBS is classified as a functional disorder because it is caused by a problem in how the intestines, or bowels, work. People with IBS tend to have overly sensitive intestines that have muscle spasms in response to food, gas, and sometimes stress. These spasms may cause pain, diarrhea, and constipation.

Click here for more irritable bowel syndrome in children information.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Discussion

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that interferes with the normal functions of the large intestine (colon). It is characterized by a group of symptoms--crampy abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.

One in five Americans has IBS, making it one of the most common disorders diagnosed by doctors. It occurs more often in women than in men, and it usually begins around age 20.

IBS causes a great deal of discomfort and distress, but it does not permanently harm the intestines and does not lead to intestinal bleeding or to any serious disease such as cancer. Most people can control their symptoms with diet, stress management, and medications prescribed by their physician. But for some people, IBS can be disabling. They may be unable to work, go to social events, or travel even short distances.

Click here for more irritable bowel syndrome information.

Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction Discussion

Intestinal pseudo-obstruction (false blockage) is a condition that causes symptoms like those of a bowel obstruction (blockage). But when the intestines are examined, no obstruction is found. A problem in how the muscles and nerves in the intestines work causes the symptoms.

Click here for more intestinal pseudo-obstruction information.

Inguinal Hernia Discussion

A hernia is a condition in which part of the intestine bulges through a weak area in muscles in the abdomen. An inguinal hernia occurs in the groin (the area between the abdomen and thigh). It is called "inguinal" because the intestines push through a weak spot in the inguinal canal, which is a triangle-shaped opening between layers of abdominal muscle near the groin. Obesity, pregnancy, heavy lifting, and straining to pass stool can cause the intestine to push against the inguinal canal.

Click here for more inguinal hernia information.

Indigestion Discussion

Indigestion, also known as upset stomach or dyspepsia, is discomfort or a burning feeling in the upper abdomen, often accompanied by nausea, abdominal bloating, belching, and sometimes vomiting. Some people also use the term indigestion to describe the symptom of heartburn.

Click here for more indigestion information.

Hirschsprung's Disease Discussion

Hirschsprung's (HURSH-sprungz) disease, or HD, is a disease of the large intestine.

The large intestine is also sometimes called the colon. The word bowel can refer to the large and small intestines. HD usually occurs in children. It causes constipation, which means that bowel movements are difficult. Some children with HD can't have bowel movements at all. The stool creates a blockage in the intestine.

Click here for more Hirschsprung's disease information.

Hemorrhoids Discussion

The term hemorrhoids refers to a condition in which the veins around the anus or lower rectum are swollen and inflamed.

Hemorrhoids may result from straining to move stool. Other contributing factors include pregnancy, aging, chronic constipation or diarrhea, and anal intercourse.

Hemorrhoids are either inside the anus (internal) or under the skin around the anus (external).

Click here for more hemorrhoids information.

Hemochromatosis

Hemochromatosis, the most common form of iron overload disease, is an inherited disorder that causes the body to absorb and store too much iron. The extra iron builds up in organs and damages them. Without treatment, the disease can cause these organs to fail.

Iron is an essential nutrient found in many foods. The greatest amount is found in red meat and iron-fortified bread and cereal. In the body, iron becomes part of hemoglobin, a molecule in the blood that transports oxygen from the lungs to all body tissues.

Healthy people usually absorb about 10 percent of the iron contained in the food they eat to meet the body needs. People with hemochromatosis absorb more than the body needs. The body has no natural way to rid itself of the excess iron, so it is stored in body tissues, especially the liver, heart, and pancreas.

Click here for more hemochromatosis information.

Gastroesophageal Reflux in Infants

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) occurs when stomach contents come back up into the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach) during or after a meal. A ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus opens and closes to allow food to enter the stomach. This ring of muscle is called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This sphincter opens to release gas (burping) after meals in normal infants, children, and adults. When the sphincter opens in infants, the stomach contents often go up the esophagus and out the mouth (spitting up or vomiting). GER can also occur when babies cough, cry, or strain. Most infants with GER are happy and healthy even though they spit up or vomit.

Click here for more gastroesophageal reflux in infants information.

Gastroesophageal Reflux in Children and Adolescents

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) occurs when stomach contents back up into the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach) during or after a meal. A ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus opens and closes to allow food to enter the stomach. This ring is called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Reflux can occur when the LES opens, allowing stomach contents and acid to come back up into the esophagus.

GER often begins in infancy, but only a small number of infants continue to have GER as older children. Evaluation by a physician is advised for anyone with persistent symptoms of GER.

Click here for more gastroesophageal reflux in children and adolescents information.

Digestive Diseases Discussion Topics

These are the topics covered so far.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Discussion
Gastritis Discussion
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Discussion
Gas in the Digestive Tract Discussion
Fecal Incontinence Discussion
ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)
Upper Endoscopy Discussion
H. pylori and Peptic Ulcer Discussion
Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis Discussion
Digestive System Function Discussion
Gastroparesis and Diabetes Discussion
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome Discussion
Crohn's Disease Discussion
Constipation in Children Discussion
Colostomy Discussion
Colonoscopy Discussion
Colon Polyps Discussion
Collagenous Colitis and Lymphocytic Colitis
Cirrhosis of the Liver Discussion
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Discussion
Chronic Hepatitis C
Celiac Disease
Bleeding in the Digestive Tract
Barrett's Esophagus
Bacteria and Foodborne Illness Discussion
Autoimmune Hepatitis
Appendicitis Discussion
Intestinal Adhesions

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Discussion

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly and stomach contents leak back, or reflux, into the esophagus. The LES is a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that acts like a valve between the esophagus and stomach. The esophagus carries food from the mouth to the stomach.

When refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus, it causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn. The fluid may even be tasted in the back of the mouth, and this is called acid indigestion. Occasional heartburn is common but does not necessarily mean one has GERD. Heartburn that occurs more than twice a week may be considered GERD, and it can eventually lead to more serious health problems.

Click here for more heartburn, hiatal hernia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)information.

Gastritis Discussion

Gastritis is not a single disease, but several different conditions that all have inflammation of the stomach lining. Gastritis can be caused by drinking too much alcohol, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen, or infection with bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Sometimes gastritis develops after major surgery, traumatic injury, burns, or severe infections. Certain diseases, such as pernicious anemia, autoimmune disorders, and chronic bile reflux, can cause gastritis as well.

Click here for more gastritis information.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Discussion

Flexible sigmoidoscopy (SIG-moy-DAH-skuh-pee) enables the physician to look at the inside of the large intestine from the rectum through the last part of the colon, called the sigmoid or descending colon. Physicians may use the procedure to find the cause of diarrhea, abdominal pain, or constipation. They also use it to look for early signs of cancer in the descending colon and rectum. With flexible sigmoidoscopy, the physician can see bleeding, inflammation, abnormal growths, and ulcers in the descending colon and rectum. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is not sufficient to detect polyps or cancer in the ascending or transverse colon (two-thirds of the colon).

For the procedure, you will lie on your left side on the examining table. The physician will insert a short, flexible, lighted tube into your rectum and slowly guide it into your colon. The tube is called a sigmoidoscope (sig-MOY-duh-skope). The scope transmits an image of the inside of the rectum and colon, so the physician can carefully examine the lining of these organs. The scope also blows air into these organs, which inflates them and helps the physician see better.

Click here for more flexible sigmoidoscopy information.

Gas in the Digestive Tract Discussion

Everyone has gas and eliminates it by burping or passing it through the rectum. However, many people think they have too much gas when they really have normal amounts. Most people produce about 1 to 4 pints a day and pass gas about 14 times a day.

Gas is made primarily of odorless vapors--carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and sometimes methane. The unpleasant odor of flatulence comes from bacteria in the large intestine that release small amounts of gases that contain sulfur.

Although having gas is common, it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Understanding causes, ways to reduce symptoms, and treatment will help most people find relief.

Click here for more gas in the digestive tract information.

Fecal Incontinence Discussion

Fecal incontinence is the inability to control your bowels. When you feel the urge to have a bowel movement, you may not be able to hold it until you can get to a toilet. Or stool may leak from the rectum unexpectedly.

More than 5.5 million Americans have fecal incontinence. It affects people of all ages--children as well as adults. Fecal incontinence is more common in women than in men and more common in older adults than in younger ones. It is not, however, a normal part of aging.

Click here for more fecal incontinence information.

ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (en-doh-SKAH-pik REH-troh-grayd koh-LAN-jee-oh-PANG-kree-uh-TAH-gruh-fee) (ERCP) enables the physician to diagnose problems in the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. The liver is a large organ that, among other things, makes a liquid called bile that helps with digestion. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that stores bile until it is needed for digestion. The bile ducts are tubes that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine. These ducts are sometimes called the biliary tree. The pancreas is a large gland that produces chemicals that help with digestion and hormones such as insulin.

ERCP is used primarily to diagnose and treat conditions of the bile ducts, including gallstones, inflammatory strictures (scars), leaks (from trauma and surgery), and cancer. ERCP combines the use of x rays and an endoscope, which is a long, flexible, lighted tube. Through the endoscope, the physician can see the inside of the stomach and duodenum, and inject dyes into the ducts in the biliary tree and pancreas so they can be seen on x rays.

Click here for more ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) information.

Upper Endoscopy Discussion

Upper endoscopy enables the physician to look inside the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine). The procedure might be used to discover the reason for swallowing difficulties, nausea, vomiting, reflux, bleeding, indigestion, abdominal pain, or chest pain. Upper endoscopy is also called EGD, which stands for esophagogastroduodenoscopy (eh-SAH-fuh-goh-GAS-troh-doo-AH-duh-NAH-skuh-pee).

For the procedure you will swallow a thin, flexible, lighted tube called an endoscope (EN-doh-skope). Right before the procedure the physician will spray your throat with a numbing agent that may help prevent gagging. You may also receive pain medicine and a sedative to help you relax during the exam. The endoscope transmits an image of the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, so the physician can carefully examine the lining of these organs. The scope also blows air into the stomach; this expands the folds of tissue and makes it easier for the physician to examine the stomach.

Click here for more upper endoscopy test procedure information.

H. pylori and Peptic Ulcer Discussion

A peptic ulcer is a sore on the lining of the stomach or duodenum, which is the beginning of the small intestine. Peptic ulcers are common: One in 10 Americans develops an ulcer at some time in his or her life. One cause of peptic ulcer is bacterial infection, but some ulcers are caused by long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), like aspirin and ibuprofen. In a few cases, cancerous tumors in the stomach or pancreas can cause ulcers. Peptic ulcers are not caused by stress or eating spicy food, but these can make ulcers worse.

Click here for more H. pylori and peptic ulcer discussion.

Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis Discussion

Many people have small pouches in their colons that bulge outward through weak spots, like an inner tube that pokes through weak places in a tire. Each pouch is called a diverticulum. Pouches (plural) are called diverticula. The condition of having diverticula is called diverticulosis. About 10 percent of Americans over the age of 40 have diverticulosis. The condition becomes more common as people age. About half of all people over the age of 60 have diverticulosis.

Click here for more diverticulosis and diverticulitis information.

Digestive System Function Discussion

The